72-year-old Sue Wymer died at St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston where she was receiving end-of-life care following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Sue, from Allithwaite, was a ‘much-loved’ member of the Cartmel Peninsula area – giving her time and love to the children, churches and community.
For the last three weeks of her life Sue was at St Mary’s Hospice and was given a room with a cuddle bed.
The ‘cuddle bed’ takes up the same space as a normal hospital bed but can be widened to make a double bed when required, allowing loved ones to lay with the patient.
Sue’s last request was for the schools that she had worked with to raise money for the hospice to purchase a second cuddle bed.
To help with Sue’s request children from Grange, Flookburgh and Allithwaite schools ran a mile.
The Mayor of Grange Tricia Thomas opened each of the runs, which took place at separate times throughout the day.
Headteacher of Grange School Phillipa Summers said: “We were so impressed with the children’s enthusiasm and commitment to do their best for Sue who was a great friend to our school.
“Even our youngest children in nursery and reception took part-impressing their parents and teachers by running over eight laps of our school field whilst everyone else set off for the prom 1-mile challenge.
“Our Mayor Tricia Thomas cheered them on and many visitors and friends couldn’t believe the energy they showed. We are so proud of all our young people.”
Alongside this event, children from each school, supported by adults, conducted a bucket collection inside the Co-op in Grange, raising a further £221.
The schools are continuing to raise money and have held talent shows and cake sales.
At the end of the term, Cartmel Priory Secondary School will also be holding a sponsored walk to support the cause as many of the pupils worked with Sue when they attended primary school.
St Mary’s Church members and staff from Allithwaite School will be doing a second bucket collection on Friday, June 30, at Cartmel Races.
Nicole Spibey said: “We estimate to have reached approximately £8,000 but we still need to achieve £7,000 further to enable the hospice to purchase the cuddle bed so that families will be able to start using it.”
To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/suescuddlebed
